There was talk prior to the 2016 NHL Draft that hockey power Canada was in for a disappointing showing at the NHL’s annual re-stocking of young talent. And, while it is true that just two players that identified as Canadian were chosen among the top 10 selections in this year’s draft, the “Great White North” can rest comfortably knowing that they had a stronger showing overall in 2016 than was the case at the last couple of drafts. Read more»

Photo: Forwards Auston Matthews of the ZSC Lions and Patrik Laine of Tappara Tampere are the top two prospects for the 2016 NHL Draft according to ISS Hockey (courtesy of John Crouch/Icon Sportswire and Melanie Duchene/EQ Images/Icon Sportswire)

The first round of the 2016 NHL Draft is now just a couple of days away, with the remainder of the draft taking place on Saturday at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY.

Earlier this month, ISS Hockey released their final top 30 for this year’s draft, along with their 2016 draft guide. The order in June barely changed from the list presented in May, but there was some minor shuffling within the top 10. Read more»

Photo: Five top prospects for the 2016 NHL Draft were the guests of the NHL during the Stanley Cup Final, with forwards (L-R) Pierre-Luc Dubois, Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Patrik Laine, and Alexander Nylander taking Game Four in San Jose (courtesy of Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

While the 2016 NHL Draft lacks some of the drama that was provided leading up to last year’s draft, when Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel vied for the right to go first overall, there is nevertheless some very good talent to be had at the top of this year’s event. And even beyond the top 5, NHL clubs drafting in the first round should be able to land some good talent that will almost certainly suit up for NHL action in the not too distant future. Read more»

Photo: Top 2016 prospect Auston Matthews competed for Team USA at the 2016 IIHF World Championship, posting six goals and nine points in 10 games (courtesy of Pavel Bednyakov/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

He has gone coast-to-coast atop the rankings for the 2016 NHL Draft, so the likelihood that center Auston Matthews will be passed over for Finnish star Patrik Laine seems unlikely. The Toronto Maple Leafs, holders of the first pick in this year’s draft, will ultimately decide Matthews fate, but it seems likely that the Scottsdale, AZ native will be donning the blue-and-white at next Friday’s proceedings. Read more»

Photo: Vancouver Giants forward and 2016 prospect Ty Ronning produced 31 goals and 59 points in 67 games in 2015-16 after producing two points in 24 games in 2014-15 (courtesy of Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)

The second day of the 2016 NHL Draft will afford teams an opportunity to select character players who will certainly still impact their prospect pool in a positive fashion. In the latest edition of NHL Draft Primer, we highlight a few notable names that have family ties, one or two elements of their games that make them unique, and a couple players who have been overlooked for one reason or another. Read more»